Neue Deutsche Härte translates to New German Toughness; alongside OOMPH! and RAMMSTEIN, MEGAHERZ co-initiated this movement. Whilst they formed in 1993, their latest album In Teufels Namen (EN: In The Devil’s Name) is my first experience of them. From listening to the sounds of this record, it makes me wonder why I didn’t listen to them sooner and will carry on checking out their discography.
It wastes no time opening with the title track. For those new to the band, including myself, first thoughts go to RAMMSTEIN yet somehow more melodic. It’s hard to explain but that’s what I am getting from these pioneers of industrial metal. The track heavily criticises religion and corruptness it can bring when certain people use it to excuse the cruel acts they do.
In the press release, it states the album’s criticizes conspiracy theories, religion and society. Feelings of anger, despair and glimpses of hope can be heard throughout the album as it’s communicated so brilliantly through the music. It encourages those listeners who don’t speak German to translate the lyrics to find those all-important messages. Below are just a few examples of what I mean.
Engelsgesicht (EN: Angel Face) was one of the singles released for the album and I am personally glad it was. The bouncy rhythm and catchy melody caught my attention instantly. The lyrics are about someone who looks physically beautiful whilst being manipulative and vindictive. This shows the band’s emotional side and it’s communicated brilliantly well.
Kannst Du de Himmel Sehn? (EN: Can You See The Sky?) is one of the tracks that displays that bit of hope when times are dark. When reading the lyrics in English, I can see it’s about remembering there are better days to come even during dark times. There is a metaphor used in mindfulness about remembering the blue sky is always there, despite the stormy clouds being in the way. To hear this communicated through the lyrics and music was refreshing.
Der König Der Dummen (EN: “The King Of The Fools”) comments on conspiracy theorists. In the lyrics, it lists all the current theories that are currently out there and the catchy, heavy music ensures the track stays with you for days on end.
Given what the track name translates to, I was already intrigued by Alles Arschlöcher (EN: All Assholes). There is a revolutionary mood within this track that is infectious as it communicates the lyrics about….well everyone being an asshole in one why or another. This is one of the catchiest songs I have heard in a while and one that will be living in my head rent free.
The album closes with Ich Hasse (Epilog) (EN: I Hate (Epilogue) and Auf dem Weg zur Sonne (EN: On My Way To The Sun) which showcase the vulnerable side of the band. Ich Hasse (Epilog) lyrics communicate what someone with mental illness often feels. Auf dem Weg zur Sonne leaves a solemn yet powerful message of whilst the world may not be a great place at times, there is a light to head towards and to not make yourself small.
In Teufels Namen (EN: In The Devil’s Name) is a solid album that showcases one of the finest industrial metal bands. It’s one I highly recommend you look into the lyric translations if you don’t speak German as there is a lot the band have to tell and it’s interesting to delve into.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
In Teufels Namen is out now.
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